Construction of non-linear mandibular resection guides using two different software sets: A technical note

Abstract

Numerous pathological disorders with widely differing origins and characteristics can affect the human jaws. These lesions can range from benign, but locally aggressive, lesions like ameloblastoma and odontogenic myxoma, to extremely destructive, potentially fatal lesions like malignant squamous cell carcinomas and osteosarcomas. The preferred method for managing these aggressive lesions is radical resection with suitable safety margins, ideally with immediate reconstruction whenever possible. It is of utmost importance that the surgeon finds the correct balance between being aggressive enough to ensure the removal of all tumor cells, and conservative enough to minimize the sacrifice of healthy tissue. The introduction of surgical guides in the field of maxillofacial surgery improved the accuracy of the operations and saved surgical time. The aim of this paper is to provide a highly detailed step by step guidance on the analysis, treatment planning, designing, and manufacturing of tailor-made resection guides using two sets of different softwares. A case report will then be presented showing the usage of a resection guide designed with this method.